Free zones to be in Customs’ hands - not Freeport Corporation

The Customs Department is offering to move out of its historic premises in Valletta to new offices near the former Air Malta headquarters, with director general Joseph Chetcuti saying the site would be the logical one for another free zone.

There is currently only one free zone in Malta – at Malta Freeport – which is regulated by the Free Zones Act, and falls under the remit of the Economy Ministry.
Mr Chetcuti said it had been confirmed that his department would oversee them. In August 2016, Aaron Farrugia, then the CEO of the Freeport Corporation had said that it was the logical authority which should take over free zones, which set off a huge backlash with wrangles go on behind the scenes for some time.
Read: No use crying over spilled milk
“I was concerned,” Mr Chetcuti admitted, “but not any longer. Malta Enterprise and the Economy Ministry, when they were talking about the logistics hub, were originally envisaging passing the control to another authority. We resisted that and the final outcome respects the common good,” he said.
“Free zones should be either near a sea port or the airport – as then they can be securely enclosed and controlled 24/7 by Customs, which would...